The Qur'an, the Masculine and the Feminine

Those whom your right hands possess

The phrase "those whom your right hands possess" (ما ملكت أيمانكم, mā malakat aymānukum) appears in multiple places in the Qur’an and classical Islamic literature, primarily referring to enslaved individuals, particularly women captured in warfare. This concept must be understood in its historical, ethical, and jurisprudential contexts.

1. Meaning and Context in the Qur'an
In pre-Islamic Arabia, slavery was a widespread institution, and captives taken in war were commonly enslaved. The Qur'an acknowledges this reality but seeks to regulate and improve the treatment of enslaved people.

Several verses address this, including:

Surah An-Nisa (4:24):
"And [forbidden to you are] married women except those whom your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you."
This verse implies that women captured in war, who were previously married to non-Muslim men, could become lawful to Muslim men under specific conditions.

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:50):
"O Prophet, indeed We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have given their due compensation and those whom your right hand possesses from what Allah has given you [as spoils of war]..."
This verse specifically refers to the Prophet Muhammad's lawful relationships, including those with women taken as captives.

Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-6) & Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:29-30):
"...who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed."
These verses refer to lawful sexual relations, distinguishing between wives and enslaved concubines.

2. Islamic Regulations and Ethical Considerations
Islamic law provided detailed regulations on the treatment of enslaved women, introducing protections and rights that were unprecedented at the time:

A. Rights and Humane Treatment
Islam prohibited forced prostitution of enslaved women (Surah An-Nur 24:33).
Enslaved individuals were entitled to food, clothing, and shelter similar to their masters.
Freeing slaves was strongly encouraged as an act of piety (e.g., Surah Al-Balad 90:13).

B. Sexual Relations and Marriage
A master could engage in relations with an enslaved woman only if she was his lawful possession.
If she bore a child, she gained a higher status as umm walad (mother of the child) and could not be sold. Upon the master’s death, she was automatically freed.
Islamic law encouraged the emancipation and marriage of enslaved women (Surah An-Nur 24:32).

3. Historical and Social Impact
Islam sought to phase out slavery through a gradual approach rather than an abrupt prohibition, considering the economic and social structures of the time. Unlike chattel slavery in later centuries, Islam's approach focused on dignity and the eventual integration of enslaved individuals into society.

Key measures leading to the abolition of slavery in Islamic history include:

The promotion of manumission as a means of expiation for sins.
State-funded programs and individual initiatives to free enslaved people.
The decline of the practice with changing socio-economic conditions.

4. Modern Interpretations
Today, slavery is universally condemned, and Islamic scholars unanimously agree that these verses were context-specific to the 7th-century realities of war and captivity. The moral essence of Islam aligns with universal human rights, advocating for justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. Any form of modern slavery is considered impermissible under Islamic law.

Conclusion
The phrase "those whom your right hands possess" reflects a historical reality that Islam sought to regulate and gradually eliminate. The Qur’an and prophetic teachings emphasized humane treatment, rights, and eventual emancipation. Today, Islamic ethics uphold freedom and human dignity, with slavery being entirely outlawed in all Muslim-majority countries.